BINGHAMTON, NY – Binghamton University’s Confucius Institute will host a Chinese language/performing arts summer day-camp from July 28 through Aug. 15. "Sounds of China: STARTALK Learn Chinese through Beijing Opera Performance" will be held 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, on campus. An application is required, but the program is free and open to students entering grades 6-12.

Sponsored by STARTALK, a U.S. government program, "Sounds of China" aims to develop students’ abilities in basic Chinese conversation through a focus on Beijing Opera. Participants will learn the Chinese language and engage in Chinese culture-themed arts and crafts in the mornings, and learn Beijing Opera in the afternoons, using their recently acquired language skills.

"Sounds of China" is ideal for students who have one year or less of Chinese language background, but no previous knowledge of Chinese is required. Participants will learn to read and write basic Chinese characters, converse in basic Chinese with teachers and classmates, and experience and learn for themselves the many aspects of Beijing Opera, including its style of stage, combat, costumes, character types, singing, distinctive face-painting style, history and movements.

Applicants must submit a personal statement of 300 words or less, explaining why they would like to participate in this camp, along with a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Documents can be mailed to Laura Scott, Confucius Institute, Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, or scanned and e-mailed to lscott@binghamton.edu.